BajaNomad - I’m in! Tecate.

I’m in! Tecate.

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ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 10:08 AM

Just crossed at Tecate with my truck camper. Piece of cake. Very quick inspection even with the Rojo luz! FMM was easy to get. Found parking on the other side about 50 feet from the gate. $32 usd for the FMM.

Thanks to all the Nomads here for the advice and info. Too many people to list who helped me.

David K - 1-5-2019 at 10:28 AM

Great to hear! Have a wonderful time... Stay dry, rain coming to So Cal tonight!

willardguy - 1-5-2019 at 10:51 AM

so you're the one that brought this weather

pleeeeeze don't let it rain in Anaheim tonight!

ehall - 1-5-2019 at 03:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

so you're the one that brought this weather

pleeeeeze don't let it rain in Anaheim tonight!

If it's a mud race I need to change my finishing order.

ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 04:02 PM

Yep...been raining off and on since leaving Tecate.

Tecates finest did try to shake me down for a traffic violation. He asked twice if I had a knife. Said I was gonna have to follow him to the station to pay it. He wanted drivers license, proof of insurance, registration for truck and camper. In the end he let me off with a warning. Friendly guy. I DID go straight from a right turn lane after he waved me on. Then pulled up to me and said follow him. All streets of Tecate are narrow.

Stopped by a military checkpoint between Ensenada and San Felipe. Opossum Negros I believe. Just looked around in the camper and sent me on my way.

Any good camping around San Felipe? Probably head to Puertecitos in the morning along the much feared Hwy 5!!

Bubba - 1-5-2019 at 04:04 PM

Have fun!

David K - 1-5-2019 at 04:36 PM

Ojos Negros...
Thanks for the police story!
Kind of late to get camping directions. I can't believe you are getting Internet!
What do you want in a campground? Too many choices.
I guess I will say Rancho Percebu, km. 20/21 south of San Felipe, great beach... Across from the north end of Shell Island.

ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 07:13 PM

I found Pete’s resort to stay the night. Thank you so much David K. You have been one of many to really help me out! It is much appreciated.

Really quiet here. Practically Right on the beach.

I’m paraphrasing another Nomad who said “I have no plan or itenerary and I plan to stick to it” That’s my plan. Didn’t realize Ensenada to SF would take as long as it did. Got here at dusk. I’m following the advice of many who have said “ don’t drive at night” Besides...you can’t see the scenery. I’m a little surprised at all of the roadside trash.

Using my Verizon powered phone to hotspot my tablet. Working well.

ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 07:20 PM

Yes Ojos Negros. Dang spell checker! Hit another military check point just before hwy 5. No big deal...they just poke around the camper a bit..opening a couple of drawers and then you are on your way.

I’m going to make Puercetios my goal for tomorrow. Think I saw a sign that said 95 km in the roundabout in SF.

Tecate crossing is so easy. I staged at the Potrero campground last night about 2 miles from Tecate. Got through the border nice and early.

ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 07:40 PM

I did a search on Puercetios here and did not find much. M map says there is a hot springs there. Going to check it out and report back. I saw a point on the map that said valley of the giant cordon cactus close to San Felipe. I think the need to see that. WX forecast is looking good for tomorrow too. Rain has stopped in SF!

BornFisher - 1-5-2019 at 07:53 PM

Sounds like a great start. How are the desert wildflowers? I was down there a few weeks ago and thought they might be ready to go off between San Felipe and Puertecitos. But quien sabe?
Be careful of the washout about km 100. Steep and silt but doable!

ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 08:32 PM

The boojum (?) trees are beginning to flower. Have seen mass carpets of something purple here and there. And lots of sunflower looking flowers to be seen. The desert is green.

Absolutely amazed at the number of wineries between Tecate and Ensenada! Dozens of em! If wine is your thing. Saw a huge agave farm too. very interesting to see....future tequila!

advrider - 1-5-2019 at 08:36 PM

Short drive from SF to Puercetios even with the road in bad shape! Flowers were amazing last week, best I've seen in a while. If you decide to travel farther you might look at Gonzaga bay, cheep spots on the bay owned by Rancho Grande store across the street.

ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 09:29 PM

Good. Have had a couple of long road trips from southern Oregon to SF. Hoping that Puertecitos is worth staying a night or 2. Gonzaga Bay huh? I’ll give it a shot! My map says Bahia San Luis Gonzaga.

ReTire - 1-5-2019 at 09:35 PM

ADV.....you have been to Puertecitos then?

What can you tell me?

Once again thank you to all the Baja vets from here. You guys are like scouts/forward observers/recon to me. The info you have is invaluable and I appreciate the sharing of it!

mtgoat666 - 1-5-2019 at 09:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

ADV.....you have been to Puertecitos then?

What can you tell me?

Once again thank you to all the Baja vets from here. You guys are like scouts/forward observers/recon to me. The info you have is invaluable and I appreciate the sharing of it!

just do it. stop asking questions on the internet, ask people you meet in the road.
my first trip there were no guides, or we did not know such things existed. i think we had a 5-page surf guide that showed diddly, just vague verbal directions to breaks and a useless map.
we survived w/o internet mamas to guide our way!

David K - 1-5-2019 at 10:19 PM

Retire, it is 52 miles to Puertecitos, it is 2 miles off on a paved and dirt side road. The hot springs are in the tidal zone and only can be used if mixed with sea water to cool the hot sulfur water. They charge 200 pesos just to get near them or to camp on the cove in little palapas. The hot springs are out on the point to the left before the boat ramp.

Gonzaga Bay (Bahia San Luis Gonzaga) is 45 miles from Puertecitos and is worthy of driving the mile east from the highway to see. Rancho Grande beach would be the easiest to have a look, second road past the gas station.

There are no boojum trees until you are at least 20 miles south of the Gonzaga Pemex station. You must be looking at ocotillos? Boojums are much fatter and taller, a lot taller... One trunk and often branches and creates odd characters!

See my Trip #1 report and my Trip #8 report for details on this part of Baja.

advrider - 1-5-2019 at 10:32 PM

Not sure the hot springs are worth stooping for or camping at? I would make it a nice slow drive to Gonzaga or papa's Fernandez's place for a night or two. Davidk's trip reports have some good info in them...

ReTire - 1-6-2019 at 06:51 AM

Thanks you guys. The trees I saw in partial bloom where covered in hard thorns! Impossible to grab..

I have an addendum to my Tecate cop story I forgot to mention-Just before leaving I picked up a cheap dash cam at grocery outlet, $12.00.
The officer did ask me about it and if it was on. I told him it was on all of the time, that it had a huge memory. Maybe an influence on me getting a warning only?

ehall - 1-6-2019 at 06:56 AM

Dont panic if pemex in puertocitas is closed. Only seen it open once. The pemex in Gonzaga has been open lately.

ReTire - 1-6-2019 at 08:03 AM

Thanks for that tip. Definitely fill in SF then and my spare can too.

David K - 1-6-2019 at 04:58 PM

This is a boojum tree... about 40 feet tall...

There are thorns in there, on the softer little leaf branches.

On the road to Mission San Borja. Some have ball moss growing on them.

TMW - 1-6-2019 at 05:29 PM

ReTire stop by Coco's place. If you can take him some tomatoes, avocados, and limes etc. He'll be your friend forever.

David K - 1-7-2019 at 03:16 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

ReTire stop by Coco's place. If you can take him some tomatoes, avocados, and limes etc. He'll be your friend forever.

He wanted to wing it, which is great... but we hope he doesn't have any surprise problems because he didn't do the research first. He won't have Internet again until Guerrero Negro or if he gets WiFi at L.A. Bay from one of the businesses there.

larryC - 1-7-2019 at 06:24 PM

I think I saw him this morning about 8:30 on the dirt part of hwy 5, large cab over camper on a dark colored truck with I think Oregon plates. He was being polite and letting some other vehicles go through a tight spot so I figured he must be a newb. :lol:

[Edited on 1-8-2019 by larryC]

Pacifico - 1-7-2019 at 06:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by larryC

I think I saw him this morning about 8:30 on the dirt part of hwy 5, large cab over camper on a dark colored truck with I think Oregon plates. He was being polite and letting some other vehicles go through a tight spot so I figured he must be a newb. :lol:

[Edited on 1-8-2019 by larryC]

Hey Larry, did you make it out through the Sentri at Mexicali West yet?

Hook - 1-7-2019 at 06:48 PM

And this is an ocotillo.

https://www.mygardenlife.com/uploads/2011/10/6151_11.jpg

ReTire - 1-15-2019 at 08:19 PM

Larry C!!! That was me letting folks by in a tight spot!

ReTire - 1-15-2019 at 08:26 PM

I did stop by Cocos! Tried to help him some with an electrical issue he was having. At least I had a pair of pliers he used for a bit.

That highway 5 was something else. I was thinking....sure glad I have 10 ply tires, a plug kit, air compressor....and then a family in a Nissan sedan passes me going the other way! The best way for me to describe highway 5 would be to say that it is The Good, The Bad and The Ugly! BUT completely doable. Couple of times I was wondering IF I was even on it!

drzura - 1-15-2019 at 08:28 PM

Very nice pictures posted above. Thanks for sharing.

ReTire - 1-15-2019 at 08:34 PM

I loved the free camping in La Gringa just North of bola.

Would not recommend visiting the mission San Francisco de Borja in a truck with camper! Took me 4 hours in my rig just to get there. I did however get to see a lot of Baja @ 3 mph. Took another 2 hours to get back to hwy 1. Several times at 2 plus hours in I thought I could cut my losses and turn around...but ended up pressing on.

I guess I’m glad I went....just wish I was in a Jeep or a truck not carrying a camper. I left a piece or 2 of my camper in the desert!

ReTire - 1-15-2019 at 08:44 PM

Overall I am digging my trip! A lot!

Can’t believe I’m saying this but......I think I’m getting tired of the shrimp tacos. I can’t make myself order anything else!! I know the vets know this but....an order of shrimp tacos means 3 of them...sometimes with a heap of coleslaw and avocado and salsa and tomato and more.
Every place has a different twist to em too.

Average price has been 150 pesos with 2 beers!

ReTire - 1-15-2019 at 08:54 PM

Currently back in Mulegé (4g LTE for Verizon)after spending 6 days South of here on various beaches.....El Burro, Coyote, Armenta and a couple of old scallop camps. Unbelievable the piles and piles of shells.

Santispac looked like a nice playa......but was it ever crowded!! Decided to bypass it.

ReTire - 1-15-2019 at 08:57 PM

Those Boojum trees are straight outta Dr Seuss!

ehall - 1-16-2019 at 04:21 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

I loved the free camping in La Gringa just North of bola.

Would not recommend visiting the mission San Francisco de Borja in a truck with camper! Took me 4 hours in my rig just to get there. I did however get to see a lot of Baja @ 3 mph. Took another 2 hours to get back to hwy 1. Several times at 2 plus hours in I thought I could cut my losses and turn around...but ended up pressing on.

I guess I’m glad I went....just wish I was in a Jeep or a truck not carrying a camper. I left a piece or 2 of my camper in the desert!

You never sais,i could of earned you. Lol. Went there on my bike recently.

ehall - 1-16-2019 at 04:27 AM

Does it still look like this?

20181203_132202-800x600.jpg - 161kB

ReTire - 1-16-2019 at 06:09 AM

Yes it does! I got the tour from the guy who lives there. Not much English out of him. I did comprehend the restoration he and his son are doing and mAde a donation to the cause. Was refreshing to step inside...must have been 20 degrees cooler!
It would have been a hoot on a bike (by bike I mean Motorcycle)

Have seen a few people who seem to be pedaling their way in Baja!!

ehall - 1-16-2019 at 07:50 AM

When I say bike I mean motorcycle. Not many old fat guys pedaling around. This guide said he lived his entire life at the mission and was baptized in this bowl. Neat place.

20181203_133016-600x800.jpg - 142kB

[Edited on 1-16-2019 by ehall]

BajaBlanca - 1-16-2019 at 08:05 AM

Wow! How wonderful to hear about your trip in real time. You sure are brave taking highway 5 - we did it once and never again until it is in much better shape.

Congrats on living the dream and sticking to the no plan LOL

Bubba - 1-16-2019 at 08:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

And this is an ocotillo.

https://www.mygardenlife.com/uploads/2011/10/6151_11.jpg

Cool pic!

mtgoat666 - 1-16-2019 at 08:37 AM

I dont understand these big convoy trips to the outback.
Most people go to the wilderness to experience nature, escape crowds, get away from people.
These convoys bring crowds and traffic jams with you to wilderness

ehall - 1-16-2019 at 09:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

I dont understand these big convoy trips to the outback.
Most people go to the wilderness to experience nature, escape crowds, get away from people.
These convoys bring crowds and traffic jams with you to wilderness

??? I think he is alone.

JoeJustJoe - 1-16-2019 at 10:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Good question, and while the OP stated he is going solo, he did ask about a gringo CB radio channel, and seems to have some anxiety about his trip, and he sees Nomad members as scouts, and recon Baja specialists.

You see in other threads here, and over at "Talk Baja," questions of caravans, come up all the time with a stranger coming to "Baja Nomad" with their first post, and date given, and wanting to know if any members want to go on a caravan with them. Sometimes, it comes off creepy like that Sling commercial where a weird couple asks a couple in a restaurant if they want to sling with them on a big couch? And the other couple is just horrified at the thought!

Now here in the US, if you want to travel Yellowstone National Park, you would probably just pack up the wife, kids, and dog, and just go, or perhaps you would ask another family member or close friend(s) to go with you.

But it's very unlikely you would put up ads in a paper asking strangers if they want to go on a caravan with you to a US National park or just traveling the country.

But when it comes to visit Mexico, in an RV, camper, or even a 4x4 truck, many want to travel in a caravan, and it's obvious they want to do this because they fear Mexico, and see strength in numbers even if they don't know the other caravan members, as long as they are fellow gringos, they feel safe.

Many also see Mexicans, as Indian savages, out to perhaps do them wrong, and if anything bad happens, the caravan, can just circle the wagons, and they could send someone from the caravan( scouts) on recon missions to see if it's safe ahead from the Mexicans, they may view as thieving savages out to rob or hurt them.

So at the end of the day, the caravan travel to Mexico, and specifically to Baja, is all about fear, and dealing with that fear with strength in numbers.

[Edited on 1-16-2019 by JoeJustJoe]

ReTire - 1-16-2019 at 06:54 PM

I’m back in G Negro now at Mallarrimos RV park. (RV park....more like the parking lot behind their restaurant) Verizon service is coming through for me again!
Where is this La Bocana at? I want to spend the rest of my time on the Pacific side....for no other reason than a Baja sunset on the water....well ok..some lobster too!

MMc - 1-16-2019 at 07:05 PM

La Bocana is south a few hours. Go south to the turn off to Punta Abreojos. Marked on the highway. Head out To PA and drive through town. Go north to La Bocana. Check out Campo Rene on the way out. You can drive to Bahia Asuncion also. Great Beaches all round there. See Blanca and Les when you in La Bocana.

ReTire - 1-16-2019 at 07:11 PM

I am traveling solo! Me and my muy dulce perro. Stayed at a couple of what I call scallop camps all by myself. Just saw a couple of roads that headed towards the bay and took them. No one around. My camper was in view of the highway both times. Never got a bad ‘vibe’!
Playa Armenta was desolate as well, except for the goat herder/caretaker Manuel. I paid him 100 pesos, and then he asked me for a cerveza, which I was more than happy to give him. In fact I gave him another and a generous cup of my tequila. In return he told me what I needed to catch a fish there. I wish we could have communicated better with each other.

ReTire - 1-16-2019 at 07:14 PM

Crud! I DID see the turnoff to Punta Abrejos. Between Santa Rosalia and San Ignacio correct? For some reason was thinking la Bocana was on the pacific side!

ReTire - 1-16-2019 at 07:18 PM

I’m running my entire show off of National Geographic Baja maps and an old 2016 Elimap of Baja. I guess that is one of the problems without a itinerary.

freediverbrian - 1-16-2019 at 07:23 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

It's the sardine mentality group together to avoid danger.

MMc - 1-16-2019 at 07:25 PM

La Bocana is on the pacific side. the turn off is about 13 miles north of SI.

ReTire - 1-16-2019 at 07:34 PM

I see it now. Dang!

David K - 1-16-2019 at 11:44 PM

ReTire, my maps are in the Road Conditions forum here on Nomad, if that would help...

Since you missed that road, maybe consider Bahia Asuncion instead, all paved, too... Turn at Vizcaino on the Bahia Tortugas highway.

ReTire - 1-16-2019 at 11:59 PM

Yes DK...your maps are a superb resource! I have been winging it for lack of a better term.
I realized that I would miss some things based on my no plan plan!

It has been really good so far! Maybe next time I will have somewhat of a plan! 😀. One thing is for sure...it has been a learning experience.

I do understand the love for Baja!

ReTire - 1-17-2019 at 12:50 AM

I’m gonna head N from G Negro. Until a road that heads West calls on me. Who knows....I have a full tank of fuel plus a fiver!

I do recall several posts about the San Quentin area...nothing specific, but somewhat of a goal I suppose. Once I get north of chapala, where the 5 joins the 1, it will be all new to me.

Maybe I can get my own cool pic of a Boojum, since my map says I will be in the “Valle de Los Cirios”

ehall - 1-17-2019 at 04:11 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

I’m gonna head N from G Negro. Until a road that heads West calls on me. Who knows....I have a full tank of fuel plus a fiver!

I do recall several posts about the San Quentin area...nothing specific, but somewhat of a goal I suppose. Once I get north of chapala, where the 5 joins the 1, it will be all new to me.

Maybe I can get my own cool pic of a Boojum, since my map says I will be in the “Valle de Los Cirios”

Stop somewhere near Catavina in the big rocks and boojum trees. Cool area for sure. The quesatacos at the tiny restaurant just North of the new and unopened Pemex are delicious.

[Edited on 1-17-2019 by ehall]

ReTire - 1-17-2019 at 04:36 AM

Thanks for that ehall! Once I leave GN it looks like a long way to any cell service.

David K...looks like I missed that road.

MMc - 1-17-2019 at 08:22 AM

You might want to check out Santa Rosalillita.

ReTire - 1-17-2019 at 07:07 PM

MMc....I did as a matter of fact go to Santa Rosalita. Paved road,power lines along it. My dog and I actually spent a couple of hours there. Nice playa, a few surfers present. We were getting ready to leave when I noticed a guy rolling out those panga Dolly’s into the surf. Panga shows up..they get it loaded..and haul it up to the beach. I’m watching the entire process fascinated. I walk over to the boat to see what they have and it’s Lobsters! Lobsters! Lobsters! Looked to be at least a hundred of them!

I asked them if they sell them in town someplace and he said NO! That they are going to Ensenada. All the lobster they catch goes there. After they loaded their catch into the pickup..I noticed one sorta hidden by a tarp still in the boat. I told them about it. He grabbed it and offered it to me. It had its antennae chewed off by a fish and not suitable for market I guess. Tried to pay him for it but he absolutely refused!! And I honestly tried hard. Free lobster in Baja!

ReTire - 1-17-2019 at 09:29 PM

Hwy 1 between el rosarito and Chapala is narrow...really narrow. Parts of northbound pavement are crumbled away.

ReTire - 1-17-2019 at 09:40 PM

Made it to what my phone says is Nueva Odisea. South of San Quintin. Can’t find Nueva Odisea on a map. Pabellons(?) RV camp

David K - 1-17-2019 at 09:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

Made it to what my phone says is Nueva Odisea. South of San Quintin. Can’t find Nueva Odisea on a map. Pabellons(?) RV camp

Yes, it's on a map but what you want there is either of the two RV beach parks or the famous restaurant Parcela 12.

KM. 15 Gas Station
KM. 16 El Pabellon RV Park to the west and Parcela 12 on the east side of the highway just south of the RV driveway.
KM. 16.5 Fidel's El Pabellon RV Park

At KM. 0 is where the pavement widens to normal... 196 kms. from Ensenada.

[Edited on 1-18-2019 by David K]

ReTire - 1-17-2019 at 09:57 PM

I am going to download your maps David. So much info on them. Thank you so much...I’m sure they have helped many people.

On a side note the lobster fishermen told me that the surf was going to be really big tomorrow!

ReTire - 1-17-2019 at 11:51 PM

The surf is definitely picking up. Enough moonlight to see and it is becoming louder and louder!

No wind here either.

Suntan - 1-18-2019 at 11:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

Yep...been raining off and on since leaving Tecate.

Tecates finest did try to shake me down for a traffic violation. He asked twice if I had a knife. Said I was gonna have to follow him to the station to pay it. He wanted drivers license, proof of insurance, registration for truck and camper. In the end he let me off with a warning. Friendly guy. I DID go straight from a right turn lane after he waved me on. Then pulled up to me and said follow him. All streets of Tecate are narrow.

Stopped by a military checkpoint between Ensenada and San Felipe. Opossum Negros I believe. Just looked around in the camper and sent me on my way.

Any good camping around San Felipe? Probably head to Puertecitos in the morning along the much feared Hwy 5!!

ehall - 1-18-2019 at 11:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

MMc....I did as a matter of fact go to Santa Rosalita. Paved road,power lines along it. My dog and I actually spent a couple of hours there. Nice playa, a few surfers present. We were getting ready to leave when I noticed a guy rolling out those panga Dolly’s into the surf. Panga shows up..they get it loaded..and haul it up to the beach. I’m watching the entire process fascinated. I walk over to the boat to see what they have and it’s Lobsters! Lobsters! Lobsters! Looked to be at least a hundred of them!

I asked them if they sell them in town someplace and he said NO! That they are going to Ensenada. All the lobster they catch goes there. After they loaded their catch into the pickup..I noticed one sorta hidden by a tarp still in the boat. I told them about it. He grabbed it and offered it to me. It had its antennae chewed off by a fish and not suitable for market I guess. Tried to pay him for it but he absolutely refused!! And I honestly tried hard. Free lobster in Baja!

Very nice. Those guys are very serious about lobster. They have spotters watching for poachers.

Suntan - 1-18-2019 at 11:39 AM

I was sorry to learn the Tecate Police are still shaking tourists down. My wife and I camped at Daggetts Campground for many years. It seemed almost all new arrivals at the Campground had experienced dirty cops when crossing at Tecate. It is especially bad for first-timers who are nervous about Mexico to have this Border experience to remember. I hope the rest of this gentleman's visit is not tarnished by this event. As we all know Baja is full of fantastic discoveries and experiences.

ReTire - 1-18-2019 at 08:47 PM

Suntan....did you catch my additional post about how the dashcam probably deterred the cop?

The Tecate and the San Ignacio military CP incident will not define my 1st Baja trip! Combined they were 30 minutes total on a (so far) 2 week trip. Everything else has been positive.

Did I mention that I got a free lobster in Baja?

My biggest concern is running out of sunscreen!

BornFisher - 1-18-2019 at 08:58 PM

Retread----- I mean ReTire--- sorry!!
Hey what a great report. Nice to see thru the eyes of a new guy going for the Baja magic!! Keep on trucking and reporting!!!

ReTire - 1-18-2019 at 09:12 PM

It’s pretty nice here in Nueva Odisea. (El Pabellon) The surf was up today. I would guess an occasonal 6 to 7 foot wave. Maybe more. Breaking off shore a bit so not able to fish. And I can’t seem to find any clams either.

Staying a 2nd night. That moon sure is bright.

ehall - 1-19-2019 at 06:12 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

It’s pretty nice here in Nueva Odisea. (El Pabellon) The surf was up today. I would guess an occasonal 6 to 7 foot wave. Maybe more. Breaking off shore a bit so not able to fish. And I can’t seem to find any clams either.

Staying a 2nd night. That moon sure is bright.

To find clams walk out into about 4" of water. Dig down with your toes. You will find some.

ReTire - 1-19-2019 at 07:22 AM

I’ll try that eHall.

The panga fleet is launching this morning. They are getting a pretty good ride to get past the breakers!

ReTire - 1-19-2019 at 07:54 AM

Think I missed the low tide! The ocean water is encompassing the trucks that brought the panga fleet now.

I know the moon is getting close to full. Gonna try to consult a tide chart.

basautter - 1-19-2019 at 08:58 AM

Try this link for San Felipe tides.

http://sanfelipe.com.mx/weather/tide-calendars/

Hook - 1-19-2019 at 09:07 AM

Very entertaining, see old spots in Baja through the eyes of a first timer. Keep it up.

Ignore the clueless naysayers. They are just that, and no more.

David K - 1-19-2019 at 10:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by basautter

Try this link for San Felipe tides.

http://sanfelipe.com.mx/weather/tide-calendars/

He is at San Quintin on the Pacific Ocean.

ReTire - 1-20-2019 at 08:55 AM

Clams! Clams! Clams!

So yesterday I took ehalls advice for finding clams. I found a couple but they were small 50 cent size...figure I’d leave them to get bigger.

Well this morning along the beach in the foam zone I found 27 of them!! Yes 27!! Most of them good size.

Wish I could post a pic. Now what? I would love a tip on how to prepare them

ReTire - 1-20-2019 at 08:58 AM

I actually could not carry anymore! They were partially exposed this morning, making finding them child’s play!

ReTire - 1-20-2019 at 09:08 AM

I’m going back! Too easy too easy!

Wait.....is there a Mexican limit?

David K - 1-20-2019 at 09:34 AM

LOL... well, sadly...
Americans are not allowed to take shellfish. This is restricted to Mexican nationals. I will tell you locals invite you to go clamming, for personal consumption. I remember the clam chowder Debra (aka 'travelpearl') made (with bacon) that was so good!

paranewbi - 1-20-2019 at 10:08 AM

I take the clams and put them in a bucket of fresh ocean water. every three or four hours I rinse out the prior water and fill it back up with ocean water. Sometimes I leave them overnight just to make sure they have purged themselves of their waste.

Then just throw them in a pot with an inch of water and steam 'em until the bulk of them open. I don't eat the ones that don't open.

If their large (not butter clams...less than 2 in.) I separate the edible from the guts...but some don't.

ReTire - 1-20-2019 at 10:40 AM

Really David K? Crap!!

David K - 1-20-2019 at 10:42 AM

Yes, but like the FMM, driving on the beach, and 80 kph speed limit, it is probably a frequently violated rule...

[Edited on 1-20-2019 by David K]

David K - 1-20-2019 at 10:52 AM

From this link: https://www.mexadventure.com/mexico-travel/Fishing_License_C...

Be aware that the capture of clams, scallops, lobster, and other shellfish and mollusks are technically not allowed under a fishing license (many tourists go clamming for fun, but be ware that this could technically get you if the authorities caught you).

ReTire - 1-20-2019 at 11:33 AM

Alright.....I’ve been warned. I actually stopped collecting them at a certain point cause I had plenty.

Just incredible!

I’m out......Tecate!!

ReTire - 1-22-2019 at 11:30 AM

Easy exit, about 30 minutes including my agricultural inspection. I did admit to having some fruit. Confiscated 3 avocados, 1 lemon and 1 orange.

Then the Ag guy remarked....you seem to have a lot of beer sir. I’m gonna have to tell an officer! An officer came out and asked how much I had and then informed me the limit is 3 liters. She let me keep all my beer however.

No one ever asked for the FMM or dog certificate. But like David K said “better to have it and not need it than the other way around”

Already missing the place.

I could feel the change when I started to see billboards getting close to Ensenada.

Thanks again to all the Nomads who are so helpful here.

David K - 1-22-2019 at 11:35 AM

Glad you had a good time!
The alcohol limit (California residents) is one liter (not three) or 3 cans of beer. You picked three of the forbidden fruits, many others (like limes) are okay.
Thank you for sharing your trip with us!
Hope you will return soon now that you are a bit wiser about Mexico travel.

tobias - 1-22-2019 at 11:44 AM

So how much beer can a New Mexican bring across at a California / Mexico border?
How much tequila ?

David K - 1-22-2019 at 11:48 AM

Enough for personal consumption, but not so much it looks like you are stocking a liquor store!

Bubba - 1-22-2019 at 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ReTire

Easy exit, about 30 minutes including my agricultural inspection. I did admit to having some fruit. Confiscated 3 avocados, 1 lemon and 1 orange.

Then the Ag guy remarked....you seem to have a lot of beer sir. I’m gonna have to tell an officer! An officer came out and asked how much I had and then informed me the limit is 3 liters. She let me keep all my beer however.

No one ever asked for the FMM or dog certificate. But like David K said “better to have it and not need it than the other way around”

Already missing the place.

I could feel the change when I started to see billboards getting close to Ensenada.

Thanks again to all the Nomads who are so helpful here.

Thank God they let you keep the beer! Thanks for your reports, glad you had such a good trip.

Bob and Susan - 1-22-2019 at 12:31 PM

There is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol a traveler may import into the U.S. for personal use, however, large quantities might raise the suspicion that the importation is for commercial purposes, and a CBP officer could require the importer to obtain an Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) import license (which is required for all commercial importations) before releasing it.

A general rule of thumb is that 1 case of alcohol is a personal use quantity - although travelers are still subject to state restrictions which may allow less.

Your state may have a limit but yo can cross to your state withot problems

ReTire - 1-22-2019 at 02:08 PM

The officer told me 3 liters. I had 45 beers in the fridge!

Yep I had an outstanding trip!!

Did I mention that I got a free lobster? And then clams clams clams just washed up on shore. The weather was SO nice, the scenery surreal, the people were so good too.

I spoke to a couple who had been coming to Baja for quite a while now....sorta found out that I came oh so close to some of their favorite spots. Ah well....I did write them down and will getting em next time.

Hmmm did not have to surrender my FMM. I still have 5 months left on it!!!

ReTire - 1-22-2019 at 02:13 PM

I think my no plan plan did ok.

But next time I’m gonna think it through some. Bring different stuff, leave some things behind.

I understand now why so many of you love Baja. Somehow it makes you feel 25 years younger!

David K - 1-22-2019 at 02:29 PM

Exactly... Baja is a time machine!

Yes, the FMM for land travelers is good for 180 days. There is nobody to "surrender" it to as you drive out of Mexico, if you had to.

I wonder if there was some liquor rule change this year???

Howard - 1-22-2019 at 02:37 PM

Thank you for taking the time to report your travels.

Next time your down at either Loreto or La Bufadora, U2U Me to get together for a beverage.

Howard

ReTire - 1-22-2019 at 05:59 PM

I will Howard! Thank you.

Another cool thing that happened was when LarryC suspected he spotted me on a stretch of hwy 5! He was correct!

If any other Nomad spots me in the future..I’ll have a frosty one or a c-cktail for them!

Ice in the desert is special.

bajadogs - 1-22-2019 at 10:07 PM

As far as I know the rules have not changed. 1 liter per person. It doesn't matter whether it's beer, spiked tea, grandma's egg-nog, tequila, wine or kahlua. The limit is 1 liter per person entering California from a foreign country. 3 beers versus a liter of tequila is a no brainer to me.

There is a loophole if you can prove your booze will not be consumed in California as you haul it to your home state. Refer to you state's laws and good luck convincing US customs.

ReTire - 1-22-2019 at 10:17 PM

A clean jerry can comes to mind!

ReTire - 1-22-2019 at 11:34 PM

This must have happened to other people. Big surf one evening and then clams on the beach!

David K - 1-22-2019 at 11:59 PM

It was a King Tide (full moon, closest to earth, eclipse too) which gives both the lowerst and highest tides. There is often school bus loads of clammers on that beach...

Sept. 2002 near Cielito Lindo (Playa Sanata María)

ReTire - 1-23-2019 at 12:33 AM

Cool! David K! Then you have seen what I experienced.

It was an amazing sight for me to see. All those clams up on the beach just waiting to be harvested. Magico! It’s a moment I will never forget!

Especially given my poor clamming results the previous day.

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